This volume, Cardiovascular Beta Adrenergic Responses, compiles the proceedings of a pivotal conference held in February 1968, sponsored by the UCLA School of Medicine and University of California Extension, with support from Ayerst Laboratories. The conference brought together leading researchers to present and discuss the groundbreaking developments in the understanding and clinical application of beta adrenergic stimulation and blockade, particularly at a time when the potent beta blocker propranolol was about to be introduced for widespread clinical use. The symposium addressed both the basic scientific aspects of beta adrenergic function and its clinical implications. On the first day, experts explored the mechanisms of beta adrenergic stimulation and blockade in the heart and peripheral vessels, featuring important discussions on the electrophysiological effects of catecholamines and preliminary findings on their role in cardiac function. The second day focused on clinical outcomes, highlighting the effectiveness of beta blockers in treating arrhythmias, angina pectoris, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Propranolol's therapeutic potential, especially its rapid impact on ischemic symptoms, was underscored throughout the proceedings. This volume not only reflects on the progress made in cardiovascular pharmacology but also honors the pioneering work of Dr. Raymond P. Ahlquist, whose alpha-beta hypothesis laid the foundation for these transformative advances.

This title was originally published in 1970.
This volume, Cardiovascular Beta Adrenergic Responses, compiles the proceedings of a pivotal conference held in February 1968, sponsored by the UCLA School of Medicine and University of California Extension, with support from Ayerst Laboratories. The conf